Planning for exam success
The Planning for exam success suite of online modules supports trainees and SIMGs on the primary exam pathway by directly addressing the varied and often inequitable access to exam preparation courses experienced in non-metropolitan training sites. The modules are available remotely and cover practical strategies for study planning, question-answering technique and managing performance under exam conditions.
These modules complement local and regional teaching initiatives including state-based regional primary exam teaching hubs where trainees across multiple hospitals collaborate through weekly online sessions and can be accessed on-demand from any location.
Training program library guides (anaesthesia and pain medicine) also provide curated core readings, guidelines and exam resources updated regularly through the LibGuides platform.
Strengthening communication capability
The college has developed a Masterclass in Effective Communication eModule, to strengthen communication capability across anaesthesia and pain medicine training and practice.
Critical incident debriefing
In recognition of the critical importance of structured support following adverse events, particularly within smaller and geographically dispersed services; the college developed and implemented a comprehensive Critical Incident Debriefing Toolkit to strengthen workforce capability and sustainability across regional, rural and remote settings.
The toolkit provides evidence-informed, practical and accessible resources designed to support Fellows, trainees, Supervisors of Training and Heads of Department in preparing for, leading and participating in critical incident debriefing processes. It has been intentionally designed to ensure accessibility for clinicians working in regional, rural and remote health services, where formal support structures may be more limited, while remaining relevant across all practice environments.
Unconscious bias
Building on the 2023 Gender Equity Sub-Committee's Unconscious Bias Toolkit, a new unconscious bias course is available via Learn@ANZCA. It introduces unconscious bias, outlines its impact on patient care and members' professional experiences, and provides practical strategies to recognise and mitigate bias, which is relevant for all clinicians, and particularly important in rural settings with diverse community populations.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
ANZCA’s commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded in our Framework and Roadmap by focusing on equitable access to specialist healthcare and addressing severe workforce maldistribution outside metropolitan centres.
Doctors' health and wellbeing
Practising in a rural or regional setting brings unique personal and professional demands, including professional isolation, high workload and limited local peer support. Further information on doctors' health and wellbeing is located here.
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The strategy reinforces ANZCA's commitment to a sustainable, well-distributed specialist workforce and equitable access to care.
The Specialist Training Program (STP) is an Australian government initiative that aims to extend vocational training for specialist registrars into settings outside traditional metropolitan teaching hospitals, including regional, rural and remote and private facilities.
Access specialist library resources and services for anaesthetists and pain medicine physicians working in or with an interest in rural and remote medicine.
Learn about scholarships, grants and external funding opportunities for rural and regional trainees, fellows and SIMGs
Educational and networking events with strong relevance to the regional and rural workforce.
Rural generalist practitioners with training in anaesthesia play vital roles in providing life-saving services to patients in many rural and remote communities across Australia.
The Rural SIG is one of 17 SIGs jointly managed by ANZCA, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA), and the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA) through the Anaesthesia Continuing Education (ACE) partnership.
A regular series showcasing opportunities for rural anaesthesia training and careers in Australia and New Zealand.